Since last year, SFE “Forests of Ukraine” has begun substantially upgrading not only its vehicle fleet but also its motorcycle transport. In 2024, it procured 74 modern Yamaha motorcycles. The majority were dispatched to the forestry units of its resource-rich branches—Pivnichnyi, Stolychnyi and Poliskyi Forest Offices.
Why motorcycles?
Because they offer speed, off-road capability, and operational control. Where a car cannot go, a motorcycle allows you to:
– Quickly reach a harvesting site or deep forest area via narrow paths and steep slopes.
– Respond promptly to fires—motorcycles arrive at the ignition point within five minutes, and small blazes can be immediately contained using backpack sprayers.
– Monitor harvesting legality—from on-site inspections to warehouse inventory.
– Monitor hard-to-access areas—identifying tree diseases or illegal logging has become much easier.
Advantages of the motorcycle:
Mobility: compact, all-terrain, and fast—ideal for off-road conditions.
Cost-efficiency: A motorcycle’s purchase price is roughly ten times lower than that of a vehicle. Foresters spend less on maintenance, and a motorcycle consumes only 3–4 L of fuel per 100 km, compared to 10–15 L for a car.
Simplicity of maintenance: can be refueled from a jerrycan and require minimal upkeep costs.
Eco-friendliness: with lower fuel consumption, these motorcycles produce correspondingly fewer exhaust emissions, reducing their environmental impact.
Foresters are pleased with this upgrade. In particular, at Chernihivske Forestry Management Unit, which received five motorcycles last year, they say these bikes are an excellent complement to their vehicle fleet and praise their effectiveness.
Based on last year’s experience and the high demand for motorcycle transport in other regions, this year’s investment plan provides for the procurement of 211 motorcycles.
In addition to the resource‐rich branches, the motorcycles will also be deployed to Karpatskyi Forest Office, where the greatest number of hard-to-reach areas exists, and at the South.